Comparisons · Websites

Comparison

Shopify vs Squarespace

Online shop platform with a built-in AI assistant for product descriptions and store set-up. Design-led website builder with online shop, bookings and AI help writing pages.

ShopifySquarespace
PriceBasic: £19 a month. Grow: £49 a month. Advanced: £259 a month. Plus from £1,800. Intro offer: 3 days free then £1 a month for 3 months.Basic: $25 a month ($19 billed annually). Core: $39 ($29 annually). Plus: $65 ($49 annually).
Free planNo. No free plan; free trial and introductory offer.No. No free plan; free trial available.
Best forShops selling online, alone or alongside a till.Photographers, cafés and service firms that want a polished site.
Watch out forCard fees apply (from 1.7% + 25p on higher plans); paid apps add cost.Card fees apply on sales.
UK notesUK prices in pounds.Our check showed US-dollar prices; UK pricing may differ.
Made byShopifySquarespace
Checked2026-10-142026-10-14

Our verdict

For most small UK businesses starting out, Shopify is the easier first pick because it prices in pounds. Pick Squarespace instead if this sounds like you: photographers, cafés and service firms that want a polished site.

UK price difference

Cheapest paid plans: Shopify £19 (Basic, per month); Squarespace $25 (Basic, per month ($19 billed annually)). Shopify prices in pounds, so a UK business knows exactly what it will pay. Squarespace prices in US dollars, so the cost in pounds moves with the exchange rate and your card may add a foreign transaction fee. Check on the provider page whether VAT is included before you buy.

Who should pick which?

Neither has a free plan; use the free trials where offered before you commit. Prices change, so check the provider's page before buying.

Other websites to consider

Durable

Free plan

AI website builder that creates a small-business site, with a built-in CRM and booking.

Wix

Free plan

Website builder with AI site creation, bookings and online shop features.

Full details

Shopify tool page · Squarespace tool page · How we check prices

Sources

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